We are told to rejoice in the Bible. Many times. Why is it so important? Why should we bother? Well, being joyful is better than the alternative, isn’t it? But maybe there’s some blessings hidden in joy for all of us. Could Nehemiah be right? Could joy be strength for us?

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10, NIV,*).

Joy Is Strength?

If joy is strength, it changes how we see the Bible verses urging us to rejoice. Joy is not only the end result, it is also the pathway to strength and wholeness. It is the presence of God itself. Hence joy is strength. And all the good things in life.

Then we really should be always joyful. Not because everything would then be so peachy. But because Christ came that we might have joy. Because joy comes from the Lord. And, especially, because joy is the will of God for us. Joy is God for us, in us, with us. Our strength, our hope, our joy.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
    let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
(Psalm 51:11, NIV,*)

 

Gracious God,
If joy is really what you want for me,
then permeate every inch of me with your joy.
Pour out joy upon joy…
produce joy in me morning, noon and night.
Let me feel your presence every breath I take.
Lord, I want all you have for me.
I want to rejoice in you always.
Thank you, Lord, for all your gifts.
Thank you making your joy our strength.
You are more than I deserve,
more than I can imagine.
Thank you for calling me yours,
thank you for wanting me joyful.
Make me what you want me to be.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: Is joy your strength?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you * [As you might have noticed, I enjoy reading the Bible in different translations and love comparing them. I have started linking the Bible verses toBiblegateway.com so you can easily read (and compare) them in the different versions I’ve used while preparing each post.].

Image courtesy of  Mari-Anna Stålnacke. Linking up today with Dance with Jesus, Faith-filled Fridays, Five Minute Friday.